Comfort · September 8, 2026

How Often Should You Wash a Dog Bed?

Use a simple wash schedule that fits your dog, their habits, and the kind of bed they use every day.

Golden retriever relaxing beside a dog bed ready to be washed in a bright laundry room

A dog bed does not need to wait until it looks rough to deserve a wash. Hair, dry dirt, damp paws, dander, crumbs, and the ordinary smell of a well-used nap spot build up a little at a time. The best schedule is not a single calendar rule. It is a small routine that changes with your dog, the season, and the bed itself.

For most homes, start by removing hair and checking for fresh messes each week. Wash a removable cover or washable bed about every one to two weeks, then adjust sooner when it has an odor, visible dirt, an accident, or a particularly muddy week. That simple rhythm keeps the bed inviting without turning dog laundry into a full-time job.

Start with a one-to-two-week wash schedule

Weekly or every-other-week washing is a practical starting point for a dog bed that gets daily use. It is frequent enough to keep hair and ordinary grime from settling into the fabric, but it does not force you to wash a bulky bed more often than the care label allows. A removable cover makes this much easier because it is usually the part that needs regular attention.

Use the bed as your guide, too. If you can see dirt, smell a stale odor, or feel hair worked deep into the sleeping surface, it is time. If the bed still looks clean after a light week and your dog mostly naps indoors, a quick vacuum and a little fresh air may be enough until the next wash day.

The label gets the final say on water temperature, detergent, dryer heat, and whether the insert can be washed at all. The American Kennel Club's dog-bed cleaning guidance also recommends following the manufacturer's directions because foam, stuffing, backing, and covers can all need different care.

Wash sooner when daily life calls for it

A schedule is useful until something obvious changes it. A bed needs attention sooner after a muddy walk, a wet-dog day, an upset stomach, or an accident. Waiting for the planned laundry day lets moisture and odor settle into the cover and filling, which makes a small cleanup harder than it needs to be.

Dogs who sleep after long outdoor adventures, visit dog parks often, or spend time in dusty yards may need a wash closer to weekly. A puppy who is still learning house training can need spot cleaning several times in a week. A senior dog, a dog with drool-heavy naps, or a dog who tracks in wet paws may also make the bed dirty faster. These are not signs that you are doing the routine wrong. They are simply cues to move the wash day forward.

If a dog has irritated skin, recurring odor, repeated accidents, or a sudden change in grooming habits, do not assume the bed is the whole issue. Keep their resting place clean, then ask a veterinarian for advice about the change itself.

Remove hair and dry dirt between full washes

Full washes work better when hair, crumbs, and dry grit are not going into the machine with the cover. Once or twice a week, shake the bed outside if that is practical, then vacuum the surface, seams, corners, and underside. An upholstery attachment is helpful, but a lint roller, rubber glove, or slightly damp microfiber cloth can lift a surprising amount of loose hair.

Removing loose hair from a dog bed with a vacuum before washing

Take a look at the zipper and the fold where the sleeping cushion meets the side. Those small areas catch more hair than the center of the bed. Clearing them regularly keeps the fabric fresher and lets you spot a loose seam, worn backing, or flattened cushion before a regular wash turns into a bigger problem.

For a dog who sheds heavily, weekly hair removal can matter more than adding extra detergent or fragrance. The goal is a clean, comfortable place to rest, not a bed that smells strongly scented. A mild, fragrance-free detergent and a thorough rinse are a sensible combination for routine laundry, especially when your dog spends long naps with their face against the fabric.

Let your dog and the bed materials set the pace

Two beds in the same home may need completely different routines. A smooth, washable cover can be quick to vacuum and easy to wash. A thick faux-fur surface may hold hair more tightly. A foam insert can take much longer to dry than a simple fiberfill pillow. The material and the shape tell you how often the bed can realistically be cleaned.

Check whether the bed has a cover, a separate insert, bolsters, a waterproof liner, or a non-slip base. Most removable covers are the best candidates for regular machine washing. Foam inserts and non-removable beds usually need gentler spot cleaning unless the label specifically says otherwise. The more water a thick insert holds, the more important it is to let it dry all the way through before your dog uses it again.

When you are choosing a replacement, easy care is a feature worth comparing alongside size and support. Our guide to choosing a dog bed that fits your dog can help with the fit, shape, and washable details that make everyday care simpler.

Use a simple routine for light, normal, and heavy messes

A three-level routine keeps the decision easy. For a light refresh, remove hair, shake out debris, and let the bed air out. For a normal wash, remove the cover, treat any small stain, and wash it according to the label. For a heavy mess, clean it promptly, wash every washable piece, and check the insert or base before putting the bed back together.

Spot-clean fresh marks as soon as you notice them. Blot moisture instead of rubbing it into the fabric, use the method allowed by the care label, and avoid mixing household cleaners. For a bed with a removable cover, take it off before treating a stain so you can see whether moisture has reached the inner cushion.

For a clear walkthrough of the washing process, including foam inserts and stain cleanup, read how to clean a dog bed without ruining it. It is a useful companion when the bed needs more than a quick refresh.

Dry the bed completely before your dog uses it

A clean bed that is still damp inside is not ready to go back on the floor. Follow the label for tumble drying, low heat, flat drying, or air drying. Covers may dry quickly, but thick bolsters, foam, and padded inserts can hold moisture in the center long after the surface feels dry.

Dog bed cover and insert drying separately beside a sunny window

Give each piece good airflow, turn it as it dries, and check seams, corners, and the underside with your hand. If any part feels cool or damp, leave it out longer. Reassembling too early can leave the bed smelling musty and can undo the work you just did. A spare blanket or a second resting spot gives your dog somewhere familiar to settle while the bed finishes drying.

Skip high heat unless the label allows it. Heat can shrink a cover, affect a non-slip base, or change the shape of foam. A little patience here protects the bed and makes your next laundry day easier.

Make wash day easier to keep up with

The easiest routine is the one that fits your home. Put a repeating reminder on the same day you wash towels, clean the floors, or change the bedding. Keep a small towel near the door for muddy paws. Add a washable throw on top of the dog bed if your dog sheds heavily or prefers to sleep under a blanket. Those small habits catch a lot of everyday mess before it reaches the main bed.

It also helps to have a realistic backup. A spare cover, simple washable blanket, or second bed can keep your dog comfortable when the main bed is in the wash. This matters most in multi-dog homes, wet weather, and any home with a puppy or senior dog who uses their bed often.

When a bed no longer comes clean, stays musty after drying, has torn fabric, or has flattened enough that your dog is lying close to the floor, cleanup may not be the answer. That is a good time to browse dog beds and furniture and choose a fresh bed with a care routine you can keep.

A dog-bed wash schedule you can use

Once or twice a week: remove loose hair, shake out debris, and spot-clean fresh marks.
Every one to two weeks: wash the removable cover or washable bed according to its label.
Right away: clean after an accident, muddy outing, stomach upset, or lingering odor.
Every wash day: check seams, zippers, cushioning, and the non-slip base for wear.
Before reassembling: make sure every cover, bolster, and insert is fully dry.

Keep their favorite spot ready for rest

A dog bed does not have to be perfectly spotless every day. It does need to stay comfortable, dry, and pleasant enough that your dog wants to return to it. Regular hair removal, prompt cleanup after messes, and a wash about every one to two weeks will cover most homes well.

When you are ready to refresh the whole setup, explore the Dog Beds & Furniture collection or compare roomy beds for larger dogs to find a resting place that suits your dog's size, sleep style, and everyday care routine.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I wash my dog’s bed?

Wash the removable cover or the whole bed whenever it is visibly dirty, smells, or has had an accident. For many homes, a full wash every one to two weeks is a workable starting point, with quicker spot cleaning and hair removal in between.

Should I wash my dog’s bed more often if they shed?

Yes, a dog who sheds heavily can make a bed feel dirty sooner. Vacuum or shake out loose hair once or twice a week, then wash the cover when it starts holding odor or hair is working into the seams.

Can I wash a dog bed after fleas?

Wash bedding promptly and follow the product-care instructions. Flea treatment often needs a wider plan for your dog and home, so speak with your veterinarian about the right next steps rather than relying on bedding alone.

What is the fastest way to freshen a dog bed between washes?

Remove hair first, spot-clean fresh marks, and let the bed air out. A washable blanket on top can catch everyday hair and dirt, making the bed easier to keep fresh without doing a full wash every few days.